Six Feet Over It

In a mordantly comedic coming-of-age story, 15-year-old Leigh believes she's the "patron saint of death." Not only did Leigh's parents move the family away from the California coast to operate a graveyard, but her sister has leukemia, her best friend Emily was killed by a falling tree, and death seems to be everywhere Leigh turns (she works selling gravesites to mourners). Yet after meeting a young Mexican gravedigger named Dario, Leigh's life at the cemetery starts looking up; the quirky graveyard regulars begin to grow on her, and she makes a new friend who reminds her of Emily. Debut author Longo provides Leigh with an offbeat, sarcastic worldview, revealed through Leigh's chatty running commentary about the people and events around her. Leigh's expressive inner monologues and witty observations about life and death vacillate from cynical and disassociated to deeply emotional: "I am the last person to hold her," Leigh muses as she buries a newborn baby. A strong heroine, multicultural cast, and eclectic contemporary setting make Longo's story stand out. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. Agent: Melissa Sarver, Folio Literary Management. (Aug.)